Book Review: ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’ – Reni Eddo-Lodge

I was introduced to ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking To White People About Race’ by the Our Shared Shelf bookclub. I wanted to learn more about feminism and how the movement itself is structurally racist.
This book’s blurb (from Amazon):
In 2014, award-winning journalist Reni Eddo-Lodge wrote about her frustration with the way that discussions of race and racism in Britain were being led.
Her words hit a nerve. The post went viral and comments flooded in from others desperate to speak up about their own experiences. Galvanised by this clear hunger for open discussion, she decided to dig into the source of these feelings. Exploring issues from eradicated black history to the political purpose of white dominance, whitewashed feminism to the inextricable link between class and race, Reni Eddo-Lodge offers a timely and essential new framework for how to see, acknowledge and counter racism. It is a searing, illuminating, absolutely necessary exploration of what it is to be a person of colour in Britain today.
My thoughts:
This book did not disappoint. It made me realise just how much I have benefitted from white privilege and how feminism is structurally racist. I love it when books make me think as it encourages me to ask questions. As a result, I have been left with a lot of questions.
If feminism can understand the patriarchy, it’s important to question why so many feminists struggle to understand whiteness as a political structure in the very same way.
Feminism is about liberation from the patriarchal society, it is about making choices.
White feminism isn’t about all white women who are feminists. It’s about those who buy into the politics of whiteness which are structurally and discriminatorily racist:
For those who identify as feminist, but have never questioned what it means to be white, it is likely the phrase white feminism applies. Those who perceive every critique of white-dominated politics to be an attack on them as a white person are probably part of the problem.
This book taught me a lot, it made me question my reasons for being a feminist. It made me feel apologetic for the past actions of white people. This is definitely a book all white people should read, including feminists!
I think that the idea of feminism is a great one – equality, liberation and choice for all people.
Find this book at amazon.
If you’re interested in some of my other feminist posts, find one about the true meaning of feminism here!
You know, I checked this book out from the library, also because of Our Shared Shelf. It sat on my shelf for a long time and then I returned it to the library, unread.
I’m mostly Filipino, but my dad is white. I got a fairer complexion and my last name from him. I could be white, and having grown up in rural Delaware in a while family that wasn’t very culturally rich, I feel white too.
Reading your review made me realize I kept this book on my shelf because I wasn’t ready to confront the white identity I have in my head and compare it to my own actual brownness. Adding it to my amazon cart now.
I really highly suggest it. It’s such an interesting book and so incredibly thought provoking. I hope you do give it a read! It’s really interesting how your upbringing really can affect your identity!
This sounds like a really interesting read. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
It really is interesting! I hope you enjoy it if you do read it.
The book sounds interesting. It is always good that questions are raised – I never thought that there is white feminism and such. Though, we need to work together towards a more inclusive space. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Me too! I never knew that there was white feminism, but it really introduced me to a whole range of different ideas! Having a more inclusive space is so important!
What a great review! This is a book I’d love to read (adding to my list) xxx
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Thank you. You really should give it a go – it’s very thought provoking!
Really like the sound of this Kate, think I will place an order! Melis x
It’s a really interesting book! You should definitely give it a read!
I love it when books make you think and learn something new. I’ve heard great things about this one!
Jenny
http://www.jennyinneverland.com
It’s definitely one that I learnt a lot from!! Definitely give it a read – it’s such an interesting book.
I haven’t read this book, but I can recommend a book about intersectional feminism which aims at being inclusive to all minorities/intersections. You can find a review on my blog. The book is called “Can we all be feminists?”
Will read this soon, your review sounds interesting. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for this book suggestion. I’m going to look for it straight away!
This book was really interesting, I highly suggest you read it!